Zimbabwe were in danger of total humiliation but Nkala and Maregwede temporarily halted the collapse with a stubborn stand of 45.

Maregwede had the temerity to twice slog Muralitharan over the leg-side for four as the spinner went through his variations in search of the record.

They survived for 13 overs before Nkala, on 24, prodded forward and gave a bat-pad catch to Mahela Jayawardene at silly mid-off, prompting the entire Sri Lankan team to surround a jubilant Muralitharan.

Prosper Utseya was bowled by Farveez Maharoof and there were further celebrations when Maregwede departed for 22 to the first ball of Muralitharan's next over.

Seam bowler Zoysa was Sri Lanka's other star performer

But they had to be cut short when he went off for treatment after damaging his hand in taking the catch.

Zoysa completed his first five-wicket haul when Blessing Mahwire was caught behind but Tinashe Panyangara hit a six and two fours in his 18 to take the total to three figures.

His stand with Doug Hondo (15 not out) was worth 30 when he was caught behind off Sanath Jayasuriya to bring the match to an end.

Muralitharan had earlier done his bit with the bat during the morning session as the tourists added 85 to their overnight score of 456-7.

He made 26 in a last-wicket stand of 45 with Zoysa before he was caught off Panyangara, who took 3-101 in his debut Test match.